Tiny kitten found trapped inside Plymouth police car engine

Police officers at Crownhill Police Station in Plymouth had an unexpected start to their shift on Sunday (19 October) morning after hearing a faint meow coming from one of their patrol cars.

After a quick check, officers realised the sound was coming from deep inside the engine area, and with no safe way to reach the source themselves, they called for help from the local team at Kwik-Fit on Tavistock Road.

Kwik-Fit technicians carefully dismantled part of the vehicle and discovered a two-day-old kitten trapped in the wheel arch, where the tiny animal was safely removed and handed to officers.

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Devon & Cornwall (D&C) Police Facebook said: “Officers based at Crownhill Police Station had a bit of a different shift this morning after noticing a faint meow coming from the engine area of one of the response team’s vehicles. Thanks to the local heroes at Kwik-Fit, the kitten was rescued safely.”

ABOVE: The tiny kitten was located on Sunday morning (Credit: Plympton Police)

Police believe the kitten’s mother may have climbed into the dry space under the car to give birth. 

The kitten was then taken to the PDSA for a health check, where vets confirmed she was healthy.

“The kitten, believed to be around two days old, was found to be in good health,” the D&C Police Facebook added. “She is now being looked after and has been adopted by a local officer.”

Animal welfare group South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue contacted police through social media, asking if a trap could be placed near the car park in case the kitten’s mother returned.

“The cat wouldn’t have gone inside when the engine was hot, so it may have happened when the car was parked,” the group wrote. “She could still be nearby and need help.”

ABOVE: The kitten after the rescue with an officer (Credit: Plympton Police)

In response, Devon & Cornwall Police said the patrol car had been used in several areas around Plymouth, making it difficult to locate where the cat may have climbed in.

“All we can do is ask people to be vigilant in the Plymouth area,” a police representative said.

Police are reminding drivers to check under their vehicles before starting engines, especially during colder months when cats often seek warmth.